On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center in a high-intensity matchup between two strong early-season contenders.
But the basketball took a temporary back seat when Tyrese Maxey lost his cool after a no-call at the rim, leading to a heated confrontation with a referee that teammates had to defuse physically.
Tyrese Maxey Erupts After No-Call, Teammates Step In
The incident unfolded late in the first quarter with 2:54 remaining. Maxey drove aggressively into the paint, navigating Lakers defenders as Philadelphia led 23–17.
Austin Reaves contested the drive, appearing to make enough contact that many expected a foul call.
Tyrese Maxey had to be held back from the refs 😳 pic.twitter.com/inAj6dlEXd
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 8, 2025
However, a different camera angle showed Maxey also giving Reaves a heavy push as he attempted to create space, sending the Lakers guard lunging awkwardly toward the ball.
lol, this is what he was mad about. This non-call. The thing you chose to not to include in your clip. The Tyrese Maxey slander will NOT be tolerated on this app, my guy! 😂 pic.twitter.com/9m4rhX7zIl
— Tyrice (@TheRealTyrice) December 8, 2025
Maxey’s shot attempt was ultimately denied by Jackson Hayes, who swatted the layup attempt cleanly. The combination of missing the basket and not getting the whistle he thought he deserved ignited Maxey’s frustration.
Seconds later, he was seen shouting at the referee, inching dangerously close as teammates rushed in to restrain him. Head coach Nick Nurse also voiced his frustration on the sideline, confronting officials about the no-call.
The emotional flare-up underscored both Maxey’s competitiveness and the pressure of the moment for a player performing at an elite level this season.
Maxey’s Breakout Season Continues
Despite the heated exchange, Maxey’s on-court production once again showcased why he has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
He entered the night averaging a scorching 31.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game on 46.7% shooting, numbers that not only shatter his career averages but place him firmly in the early All-NBA conversation.
By halftime, the 25-year-old guard already had 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists as the Sixers carried a 60–53 lead into the break.
The Lakers, meanwhile, welcomed back their superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Dončić had missed two games to be in Slovenia for the birth of his second child, while James sat out the previous matchup with a sciatica flare-up. Their return significantly raised the stakes of the showdown.
For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s presence also elevated the team’s ceiling. The 2023 MVP was listed as probable before tip-off but suited up, giving the Sixers their full arsenal against a high-powered Lakers squad.
With emotions high and both teams fighting to solidify their positions in the standings, Maxey’s outburst became the defining moment of an already intense matchup — further proof of the passion and pressure driving one of the league’s fastest-rising superstars.
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